Enteric methane emissions in grazing dairy systems

Abstract

Graphical Abstract Summary: Quantifying and mitigating enteric CH 4 from pastoral dairy systems is challenging. A variety of dietary- and husbandry-management strategies are being evaluated to mitigate enteric CH 4 emissions in dairy cattle. Some strategies may not be applicable to pastoral dairy systems. Further research is needed to identify protracted strategies for reducing CH 4 emissions that do not require frequent vaccination or constant feeding, particularly for grazed herds that do not receive supplementation. Breeding animals for reduced CH 4 emissions shows promise, as long as the purchase of such animals is not cost-prohibitive and animal production is not impaired. More robust data sets are needed to develop life cycle assessments that account for all inputs and outputs on the farm that affect carbon and nitrogen cycling.

Seasonal Effect of Grass Nutritional Value on Enteric Methane Emission in Islands Pasture Systems

“…The inclusion of high levels of concentrate in the diet of dairy cows, exceeding 8 kg per day, leads to a reduction in Ym and, consequently, the amount of CH 4 emitted [34]. Furthermore, the type and quantity of concentrate supplementation in different categories and grazing management are also factors that directly influence the seasonal estimation of EF CH 4 [35]. In early spring, pasture reaches its peak production, leading to reduced reliance on concentrate and silage supplementation in dairy cow diets.…”

Sustainability of Lolium multiflorum L. “Ecotype Cajamarquino”, Associated with Trifolium repens L., at Three Harvest Times in the Northern Highlands of Peru

“…Pastures are used worldwide to feed livestock; however, the anatomy and digestive physiology of these animals means that methane is generated as an end product of this digestive process, the greenhouse effect of which is more harmful than other gases, and the state of maturity of the pasture influences methane production [1]. It is essential, therefore, to recognise that pastures serve to control soil carbon cycling [2] and nutrient recycling, mainly of nitrogen [3]; nutrients that remain accumulated in soils for up to decades [4], forming a soil-pasture interaction suitable for the grass-legume association environment [5].…”